Wednesday 3rd June 2020
As dogs and cats age, gradual changes become evident. For
dogs, such signs may manifest at as early as 5 years of age in the giant
breeds, whilst small terrier breeds can remain youthful until the age of 10 or
even older.
There is not such a broad size range in cats, and most will
reach their golden years at around 8 years or so, but cats who enjoy a good
level of exercise and keep a healthy figure can often remain sprightly for much
longer.
Things to look out for include:
- A general ‘slowing down’ or notably decreased levels of activity and stamina.
- A tendency to sleep more.
- Greying of the hair (in dogs, particularly round the muzzle).
- Joint stiffness (especially after cold/damp spells or
periods of rest).
- Slower reflexes.
- Diminished senses. Just as with people, hearing, vision, and
sense of smell may become less sharp.
So, what changes should you make as your pet approaches its senior years?
If your pet enjoys a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise,
mental stimulation and is not overweight there is no great need to make any
changes. However, it is important to be aware of the signs of ageing and be
prepared to make changes to your pet’s diet when you notice them slowing down a
little.
Switching to a naturally hypoallergenic, high quality diet
formulated for seniors may help to support the body during age-related changes.
Look for diets with boosted levels of natural supplements
like glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM to protect the joints and additional functional
ingredients such as prebiotics to support the digestion and immune system.
A diet containing added essential fatty acids may also be beneficial
because the omega-3s release compounds within the body that reduce
inflammation. Krill is an excellent source of omega-3 DHA and EPA.
Our Senior diets are often a great choice for aging dogs,
and we have two products to choose from – our tasty original Senior (which is
chicken and rice based) and our Sensitive Light/Senior (which is white fish and
potato based).
For older cats we may suggest our Light diet. These diets are lower calorie than our
maintenance products, ideal for when cats and dogs start expending less energy.
They are full of nutritious ingredients and include supplements to support the
joints, brain, digestion, skin and urinary tract.
Do not undo all your hard work with unhealthy treats and tid
bits! Choose healthy rewards like our naturally hypoallergenic Crunchy Bites or
Tasty Liver Treat which meet the same high standards of our main diets.
For a more in depth look at aging dogs, read our full article
on feeding senior dogs by Ness Bird - Nutrition Adviser and Registered Vet Nurse
Cert CFVHNut ©.
If you have any questions related to your aging pets get in touch.
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